Review of Maximum Age Limit for Blood Donation

63 Mr Xie Yao Quan asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry will consider raising the maximum age to become a blood donor from 60 years old currently to 65 years old; and (b) if not, why not.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: There is a maximum age for first-time blood donors because elderly individuals have a higher incidence of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases, which puts them at increased risk of adverse reactions, such as dizziness and fainting spells, after donation.

The Health Sciences Authority regularly reviews donor eligibility criteria to determine if the upper age limit of first-time donors could be safely increased to broaden the donor pool whilst ensuring donor safety. We will take the Member's suggestion into account in the next review.